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Social Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Scientist Job Category: Science Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local ...

Position Overview DCG is seeking a Social Scientist to support consumer and regulatory research programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will contribute to the design ...

Position Overview DCG is seeking a Social Scientist to support consumer and regulatory research programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will contribute to the design ...

Senior Social Scientist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

Senior Social Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

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Social Scientist information

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$36.5K

$91.9K

$116.5K

How much do social scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for social scientist in the United States is $91,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do social scientists typically collaborate with professionals from other disciplines in their projects?

Social scientists often work alongside experts from fields such as public health, economics, urban planning, and education to address complex societal issues. This interdisciplinary collaboration usually involves joint research design, data sharing, and regular meetings to integrate diverse perspectives. Successful teamwork requires strong communication skills and adaptability, as social scientists must translate their findings into actionable recommendations for non-specialist stakeholders. These collaborations not only enhance the impact of research but also open doors for professional growth and networking.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Scientist, you need a solid background in social science theory, research methods, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Stata) and qualitative analysis tools is commonly required. Strong critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for interpreting data and sharing findings with diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing meaningful research that informs policy, advances knowledge, and addresses complex societal issues.

What is the difference between Social Scientist vs Sociologist?

AspectSocial ScientistSociologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in social sciences; often research experienceBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in sociology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOsUniversities, research centers, policy organizations
Industry UsageBroader social sciences including anthropology, economicsSpecialized in sociology
Common Search IntentComparing roles, career paths, job dutiesUnderstanding sociology as a discipline, career options

While both Social Scientists and Sociologists study human behavior and society, Social Scientists have a broader focus across various social sciences, whereas Sociologists specialize specifically in sociology. Social Scientists often work in diverse settings like research institutions and government agencies, while Sociologists are commonly found in academic or policy roles. The choice depends on your specific interest in sociology versus broader social science research.

What is a social scientist?

Social scientists are professionals who study human society and social relationships. They use various research methods to investigate how people interact, how societies function, and how social institutions influence behavior. Social scientists may specialize in fields like sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, or political science, and their work helps inform public policy, education, and many other areas of society. Their research often involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand complex social issues.

What cities are hiring for Social Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Social Scientist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Scientist jobs?

The most popular types of Social Scientist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Social Scientist jobs?

The top employers for Social Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Social Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Social Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Social Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,924 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Social Scientist
Job Category: Science
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Local
Anticipated Posting End: There is not an anticipated end date for this posting since applications are needed on an ongoing basis.
The Opportunity:
Join a team dedicated to advancing national security through innovative irregular warfare and operations expertise. CACI is seeking Social Scientists to support mission-critical efforts that help U.S. and partner forces better understand the human dimension of conflict and competition. By applying behavioral, cultural, political, and social science research methods, you will provide data-driven insights that inform operational planning, influence activities, and strategic decision-making in some of the world's most complex environments.
Working across Geographic and Functional Combatant Commands, you will collaborate with military planners, intelligence professionals, and operational leaders to assess the information environment, analyze audience behaviors and influence networks, and evaluate the effectiveness of operations. Your research and analytical expertise will directly contribute to developing evidence-based recommendations that improve mission effectiveness and support national security objectives.
This is an opportunity to apply rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to real-world challenges while influencing operational outcomes at the strategic and operational levels. Candidates who are passionate about human behavior, social research, and solving complex global problems in dynamic environments will find meaningful opportunities to make a measurable impact while growing their careers with CACI.
Opportunities available at the SME and Senior levels.
Responsibilities:
  • Conducts campaign and operational level assessments of the information environment using opinion research, intelligence, operational reporting, and social media insights

  • Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research applying rigorous social science methodologies to support operational planning in multi-national environments

  • Leads Hierarchy of Psychological Effects Model (HPEM) analysis in support of Psychological Operations

  • Develop and track measures of performance and effectiveness for OIE, IW, and Sensitive Activities

  • Creates data collection plans and coordinate stakeholder collection of social, cultural, economic, political, and religious indicators

  • Provides data visualization and translates empirical research findings into operational assessments for decision-makers

  • Designs, evaluates, and oversees opinion research through surveys, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews

  • Develops audience profiles and analyzes key communicators, networks, and regional or transregional state/non-state influence

  • Creates and delivers formal assessment reports through briefs, presentations, and inputs to Command-and-Control systems

  • Leads innovative social science research initiatives and evaluates external studies for methodological strength and operational relevance

Qualifications:
Required
  • Active TS/SCI clearance

  • MA/MS in a relevant field (e.g. behavioral sciences, social sciences, anthropology, sociology, psychology)

  • 10+ years' experience supporting military operational planning and/or assessments (7 years with BA/BS) for OIE, IW, Sensitive Activities, or compartmented activities)

  • Demonstrated experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive/senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision makers

  • Demonstrated experience designing, administering and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations

  • Demonstrated experience integrating data analytic tools, to include AI/ML enabled tools, in support of assessments and research

Desired:
  • PhD in relevant field

  • Demonstrated expertise applying social science and data analysis to military evaluations and assessments for OIE, IW, and Sensitive Activities

  • 5 years' experience supporting military operational assessments and research at the CCMD, Service Component Command, Joint Task Force or similar level

  • Familiarity with CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, and/or NORTHCOM AORs

  • Demonstrated experience supporting formal assessments of Psychological Operations and integration of HPEM

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
Since this position can be worked in more than one location, the range shown is the national average for the position.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$75,200-$158,100
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.